Brentford boss Thomas Frank has insisted there are no serious concerns over the fitness of Neal Maupay, Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins or Rico Henry ahead of the new season.
French striker Maupay has not played a single pre-season game for the Bees because of concerns over his focus amid interest from Premier League clubs.
Frank says Maupay has trained well despite the upheaval but suggested the club have a decision to make over whether he will play in the opening game of the season, against Birmingham.
Frank told West London Sport: “I think a lot of things will happen in the last week, one way or another.
“I’m giving the same answer (I have previously); I’m dealing with the players – coaching with them. The sporting directors are dealing with the rest.
“Neal has been fine. He’s been training good. Let’s take that decision when we are coming to Thursday and Friday.
“I know the players with us on 8th August are 100% physically and mentally ready to kick on. Neal will be physically and mentally ready.”
Benrahma, who has been a target for Aston Villa this summer, has not played a single pre-season game because of an ankle injury suffered towards the end of last season.
But Frank said: “I saw him doing rehab out on the grass. He looked sharp and fine.
“He should be joining the group slightly in the beginning of the week. So he’s a little short of being ready for the Birmingham game, but hopefully he can be sharp and ready after that.
“I don’t think we have enough time (for him to be ready for Saturday). But let’s see. I will decide that Thursday and Friday.”
Watkins and Henry missed Brentford’s final pre-season game, against Bournemouth on Saturday, after picking up knocks in the recent friendly against Norwich.
But both players are expected to be available this weekend.
“Watkins was a dead leg and Henry was a knock on the ankle – we just wanted to protect them,” Frank explained.
“We know they’re important players, so they are ready for Birmingham.
“There shouldn’t be any problems or any issues. I’m confident they’ll be ready.”
Meanwhile, Luke Daniels missed the 3-1 defeat by Bournemouth having been given time off.
Frank insisted it was not related to uncertainty over the long-term future of the goalkeeper, who has a year remaining on his contract.
“His family is in Manchester. We have been training for 10 days in a row and this was the time to give him this opportunity,” Frank said.
“There is nothing going on with his future, we’ve just been very kind to him and given him an extra day o
This post was last modified on 29/07/2019